30
Jan
2026
February 2026 Student Spotlight: Phil Puntanen
February’s student spotlight is shining on an adult drummer with a tremendous enthusiasm for the drums – Phil Puntanen. Phil studies with Jason Cohen who says he chose Phil for the student spotlight “because of how hard he works and how deeply passionate he is about growing and expressing himself on the drum kit.”
Phil takes TWO HOURS of lessons each week and comes in several days per week to take advantage of his member benefit and camping out in the lesson room to practice, explore and experiment on his own. Jason says of Phil “What I really appreciate about our time together is that it goes far beyond drums. We talk about philosophy, creativity, politics, spirituality, living without regrets—and we also spend plenty of time laughing and making jokes.” Phil playfully calls Jason his “therapist.”
Read on to learn more about this incredibly passionate drummer…
What is your instrument and how long have you been playing?
My instrument is drums and I have been playing for 2 years.
What kind of music do you like to listen to and play?
I listen to all types of music, but I like to play classic rock, like Nirvana, The Who, The Police, and Jimi Hendrix
What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?
My favorite Stages memory would be playing at the first Adult Recital, where I played C’ome as You Are’ by Nirvana and ‘Hey Joe’ by Jimi Hendrix. I think the strength of Stages is the depth and variety of talent the drum instructors have, as I have had 4 guest instructors and I have learned something insightful from each.
What are your musical goals?
My goal is to play ‘Going Mobile’ by The Who and perhaps play with a band.
One of my favorite things to watch is his face light up when he makes a new discovery or feels real progress. That excitement is contagious. Phil is courageous and willing to take big swings in life, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to do great things—both on and off the kit.
If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to have played with the lead guitar and bass guitar from Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, because of the pure genius of these masters.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
My advice would be: be open to learning different styles, be patient and don’t expect that you will immediately become a virtuoso. Expect to work on becoming more both disciplined and experimental.
How has music changed your life?
Learning music gives you the confidence that you can approximate (no matter how faintly), the sound of the drummers I grew up idolizing, that with practice and a good approach one can attain the psychic rewards that cascade over into other parts of your life.
What’s something you’ve accomplished musically that you’re proud of?
I loved prevailing through my first drum recital and actually playing the songs of great drummers like Dave Grohl and Mitch Mitchell.
What are your hobbies or interests besides music?
My hobbies outside music are investment, writing, socializing at Federal Hill and going to concerts
What inspired you to start playing music?
When I was in my early 20’s my sister’s boyfriend left his drum set in the garage, and I would come home from work and wail away. I knew that one day I wanted to play the drums and sound like a drummer.
Who are the musicians that inspire you most?
The drummers that inspire me are Keith Moon, John Bonham,Mitch Mitchell, Dave Grohl and Stewart Copeland.
Who is your teacher and what do you appreciate about them?
My teacher is Jason Cohen, and his teaching style syncs with my personality: flexible, easy to talk to, and curious. He also is extremely experienced, talented and versatile.
What do you love most about playing music?
I have always loved the sound of the drums, the grooves that can be generated, and the latitude to play a variety of fills and still stay true to the song’s structure.
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Do you know a student who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Stages Student Spotlight!